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An Expert Shares How to DIY a Gel Manicure at Home Like a Pro

Including the tools you'll need, plus technique tips for a flawless, long-lasting mani.

By Katie McBroom Plus Icon

Katie McBroom

I used to splurge on gel extensions and intricate nail art at salons where I reside in New York City, racking up over $2,500 in mani expenses a year. (I know, probably not my wisest financial move.) But even if you stick to simple, no-frills gel manis, you could easily drop a grand per year. The good news? Achieving the long-lasting glossy goodness of a professional gel manicure at home is easier and more affordable than ever.

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My DIY gel mani journey started out of necessity when the pandemic forced salons to close. I quickly realized how significant the cost savings is, mastered by at-home gel manicure technique, and never looked back.

The At-home Gel Manicure Shopping List

Cuticle Pusher: Trim Store Cuticle Pusher and Remover
Nail Buffer and File: Maryton Professional Nail Buffer Block
Professional Nail Lamp:
- SunUV Sun2C UV Nail Lamp
- Modelones Mini UV Nail Lamp
Base and Top Coats:
- Gelish Dynamic Duo Base and Top Coat Nail Polish
Gel Nail Polish: Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit
Cuticle Oil: Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil
Nail Wipes: Butter London Nail Scrubbers
The All-inclusive Gel Mani Kit: Olive & June Gel Mani System

I’m not alone either, as searches for at-home gel manicures boomed in 2020. The nail market reached a whopping $10 billion then, even at a time when people were cutting back on spending. Revenue is now at $12.47 billion and projected to continue growing through 2029. The industry pivoted to meet the consumer demand, with many brands like Olive & June and Sally Hansen launching their own at-home manicure kits.

I have my cosmetology license which allows me to purchase professional nail supplies. During my time finessing my gel manicures at home, I experimented with countless different systems and types, from Japanese soft gel in a pot to more traditional “shellac” style gel nail polish. After trial and error, I came to realize that, although my professional license gives me exclusive access to the industry’s best gel manicure tools, you can get equally effective products on Amazon, no certification required.

Read on for the essential products you need as well as a step-by-step guide to help you nail your DIY gel manicure.

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Trim Store Cuticle Pusher and Remover

$2.99

Buy Now at amazon

Do you need to remove your cuticles in order to do a gel mani? Not necessarily. Does it make it look better? Absolutely. This cuticle pusher doubles as a remover, so you can quickly and easily get your nails in shape.

Before you wield the tool, soften the skin for easier removal by dunking your fingertips in warm water. Remember that less is more with cuticle removal, and those with compromised skin around the nail bed should only push the cuticles back to avoid potential infection or irritation.

Price upon publication of this article: $2.99

Maryton Professional Nail Buffer Block

$6.95 $8.92 22% off

Buy Now at amazon

This multitasking buffer block is absolutely essential for any at-home mani, gel or otherwise. It features four sides that file, smooth, buff and shine your nails to get them perfectly prepped for gel application.

Price upon publication of this article: $6.95

SunUV Sun2C UV Nail Lamp

$39.99 $49.99 20% off

Buy Now at amazon

This is one of the best nail lamps for curing your gel nail polish. (And if you don’t want to take my word for it, it’s also the number one bestseller in its category on Amazon).

The gel nail lamp features multiple timer settings and Smart Sensor Technology that automatically turns on and off when you insert and remove your hands.

Price upon publication of this article: $39.99

Modelones Mini UV Nail Lamp

$9.99 $12.98 23% off

Buy Now at amazon

If you need an on-the-go mani while traveling (or you’re short on space), a mini lamp is a great option. Like the larger lights, it features multiple timer settings and works just as well to cure gel nail polish.

Price upon publication of this article: $9.99

Gelish Dynamic Duo Base and Top Coat Nail Polish

$32.59

Buy Now at amazon

A quality base coat is literally the foundation of a good manicure — and entirely essential to a long-lasting at-home gel mani. This easy-to-use duo from Gelish gives you just that, plus the perfect top coat to seal the deal.

Price upon publication of this article: $32.59

Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit

$16.99

Buy Now at amazon

I love the Beetles Gel Nail Polish “Old Money” set because it features the perfect light pink nail polish colors for a classic manicure in addition to glittery options to add a little sparkle. It’s easy to layer without the polish looking heavy or gloppy, allowing you to customize a variety of looks. This kit is truly beginner friendly, too, as the light shades are forgiving if you accidentally smudge any polish on your skin. I consider it one of the best at-home gel manicure kits to invest in.

Price upon publication of this article: $16.99

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

$13.97 $15 7% off

Buy Now at amazon

No matter how many new cuticle oils I try, I find myself always going back to Essie’s Apricot Cuticle Oil. The formula is 97 percent natural, with nourishing apricot kernel and jojoba oil to condition cuticles, prevent hang nails, and keep your nail beds nourished. I prefer the roller for grease-free application, but you can also get the same formula in a nail polish bottle.

Price upon publication of this article: $13.97

Butter London Nail Scrubbers

$9.50 $10 5% off

Buy Now at amazon

I find pre-soaked wipes make removing nail polish so much easier. Butter London’s nail polish remover wipes are equipped with a soft side and a textured side for more stubborn polish. They’re soaked in a Vitamin E- and aloe-enriched formula to hydrate and nourish the nails as they erase any trace of old polish.

Price upon publication of this article: $9.50

Olive & June At-home Gel Manicure System

Buy Now at olive & June From $65

Olive & June creates amazing beginner-friendly manicure kits, complete with all the tools you need plus pro-level tips to master your technique. The brand recently launched a gel manicure kit that includes over 10 essential tools, including a nail lamp, cuticle pusher, nail file, cuticle serum, and even an acetone remover pot to easily remove the gel.

Choose from a set with one polish of your choice or a grouping of six shades, then follow the included tutorial to become your own manicurist.

Price upon publish date of this article: $65 for the 1 polish system; $115 for 6 polish system

WWD Shop editors test and review Olive & June’s Gel Mani System in our New York City office. Captured with the Leica Q2 Camera. WWD/ Adam Mansuroglu

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish

$9.24 $12.99 29% off

Buy Now at amazon

While this isn’t technically gel polish, it’s a great option if you don’t want to invest in a nail lamp just yet. Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel line features an assortment of on-trend shades with an ultra-shiny finish. It mimics gel nail polish, no curing required.

Price upon publication of this article: $9.24

Kiss Gel Fantasy Press-On Nails

$7.97 $8.99 11% off

Buy Now at amazon

In a hurry? If you don’t have the time for a full DIY gel manicure, press-on nails are an incredible alternative. The Kiss Gel Fantasy nails look just as good as a real gel set. I personally love the “Winter Sparks” shade with glittery purple tips. The design is a glitter gradient, so it fades into a shade that looks like your natural nail at the base. You can get away with wearing them even longer as you can’t see the new growth as easily.

Price upon publication of this article: $7.97

Author Katie McBroom wears Kiss press-on nails as a quick DIY gel manicure alternative.

How to Do a Gel Manicure at Home — Expert Tips

Step 1: Prep Your Nails

Ensure all nail polish has been removed, then soak fingertips in warm soapy water to soften cuticles. Gently push back with a cuticle stick or remove completely with a cuticle trimmer. Shape nails as desired using a nail file or buffing tool. Wash hands or use an alcohol pad on the nails to ensure all dust and oil has been removed before adding polish.

Step 2: Apply the Base Coat

Brush on a thin, even layer of the clear base coat. Make sure to avoid the skin around your nails — any excess that’s exposed to the skin could cause irritation at worst, and make your manicure lift prematurely at best.

Step 3: Cure the Base Coat

Insert hands into your UV or LED nail lamp for 30 to 60 seconds to cure the base coat.

Step 4: Paint on Gel Color

Apply a thin layer of your chosen color of gel nail polish, starting from the base of the nail and sweeping up toward the tip. Again, make sure that you clean any excess polish from the skin around your nail beds before moving onto the next step.

Step 5: Cure the Gel Polish

Insert hands into your UV or LED nail lamp for 30 to 60 seconds to cure the gel nail polish.

If you choose to add additional coats of color, repeat steps four and five.

Step 6: Apply the Top Coat

Brush on a thin, even layer of your clear top coat.

Step 7: Cure the Top Coat

Insert hands into your UV or LED nail lamp for 30 to 60 seconds to cure the top coat. Once fully cured, you can use an alcohol wipe to remove any residue and add shine.

Step 8: Moisturize Your Hands

To finish, apply cuticle oil to the base of your nails and massage it upwards towards the end of your fingertips. If you don’t have cuticle oil, you can use a quality hand cream in its place. If you have both, even better.

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Meet the Author

Katie McBroom is an award-winning writer and content creator with over a decade of experience in digital media. Prior to contributing to WWD, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Hearst’s Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including Cosmopolitan, Elle, Oprah, CNN, Business Insider, and Men’s Health, among others. Well-versed in all things beauty, she is also a licensed cosmetologist who’s been professionally trained in manicure technique.

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An Expert Shares How to DIY a Gel Manicure at Home Like a Pro

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Related Articles

The At-home Gel Manicure Shopping List

Trim Store Cuticle Pusher and Remover

Maryton Professional Nail Buffer Block

SunUV Sun2C UV Nail Lamp

Modelones Mini UV Nail Lamp

Gelish Dynamic Duo Base and Top Coat Nail Polish

Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

Butter London Nail Scrubbers

Olive & June At-home Gel Manicure System

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish

Kiss Gel Fantasy Press-On Nails

How to Do a Gel Manicure at Home — Expert Tips

Step 1: Prep Your Nails

Step 2: Apply the Base Coat

Step 3: Cure the Base Coat

Step 4: Paint on Gel Color

Step 5: Cure the Gel Polish

Step 6: Apply the Top Coat

Step 7: Cure the Top Coat

Step 8: Moisturize Your Hands

Why Trust WWD

Meet the Author

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